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Phil Baxter

1896 – 1972

American musician

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About Phil Baxter

Lived 1896 – 1972 (aged 76). Phil Baxter was an American bandleader, composer, conductor, jazz musician, songwriter and singer.

Phil Baxter (né Philip Kerley Baxter; 5 September 1896 Rural Shade, Texas – 21 November 1972 Dallas) was an American songwriter, singer and band leader.

Early years Baxter was born September 5, 1896, in Rural Shade, Texas — which after World War II became part of Kerens. He was raised in Marshall, Texas.

At age 14, Baxter played piano at a roller skating rink. He knew only one tune, but "the skaters didn't mind, for the noise of their rollers was louder than the piano music."

Military service During World War I, Baxter served at the Mare Island Naval Base in California. Violinist Paul Whiteman was also assigned to that base, and the two often entertained other sailors with musical performances. Phil Baxter and His Texas Tommies performed at the just-opened El Torreon Ballroom in Kansas City, Missouri, becoming, as Phil Baxter and His El Torreon Orchestra, the ballroom's house band from 1927 to 1933.

Personal life Baxter and his wife, Ouida,

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Important facts

People in Phil Baxter's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Phil Baxter's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Phil Baxter?

American musician (1896-1972)

When was Phil Baxter born?

Phil Baxter was born on 5 September 1896.

When did Phil Baxter die?

Phil Baxter died on 21 November 1972 in Dallas.

What was Phil Baxter's occupation?

Phil Baxter was a bandleader, composer, conductor, jazz musician, songwriter and singer.

What nationality was Phil Baxter?

Phil Baxter was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Phil Baxter

· Wikidata: Q7181691

· DBpedia: Phil Baxter

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Phil Baxter. https://biography.guide/phil-baxter/

MLA: "Phil Baxter." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/phil-baxter/.

Chicago: "Phil Baxter." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/phil-baxter/.

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